‘I’ve been told this is what Facundo Buonanotte did privately before Leeds agreement’
Leeds United seem to be close to signing Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton & Hove Albion after he leaves Chelsea.
It’s been reported that the Elland Road hierarchy have reached a verbal agreement for Buonanotte, with the attacking-midfielder set to undergo his medical soon.
Daniel Farke also has Como star Martin Baturina on his radar, but it will be surprising to see the Whites pursue that deal now that they’ve almost got a deal for the Argentina international over the line.
The 21-year-old has played just once in the Premier League this season, and it undoubtedly makes sense for him to leave Stamford Bridge.
Facundo Buonanotte pushed for Leeds United transfer
Buonanotte looks to have made efforts behind the scenes to join Leeds in the winter transfer window.
Graham Smyth has shared that the Whites expect the midfielder to join them and play regular minutes at Elland Road.
The YEP journalist believes the youngster’s potential move to the West Yorkshire outfit could finally come to fruition after speculation last season.
Writing on X on 15 January, Smyth said, “Told Buonanotte has pushed for a move to Leeds, club confident he wants to come and play minutes. And it sounds pretty close to being done (again).”
Buonanotte was on his way to Elland Road before a last-minute U-turn in the summer of 2025.
Farke will now be getting the player he wanted in LS11, and it will be interesting to see how the number 10 is used until the end of the season.
Where will Facundo Buonanotte fit in Daniel Farke’s new system?
Daniel Farke has turned the tide at Leeds since switching to playing three at the back, with two strikers up top.
The Whites’ 3-5-2 formation doesn’t necessarily have room for a number 10 like Buonanotte, but he may be deployed further up front.
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Big chances created | 7 |
| Goal conversion | 14% |
Brenden Aaronson played alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 4-3 loss against Newcastle United and put in a magnificent performance despite the defeat at St James’ Park.
The Brighton midfielder could potentially be deployed in a similar role and help Farke be more tactically flexible when needed.